High-voltage power supply testing differs from that required of low-voltage
power supplies during the development cycle. The selection of high-voltage
insulation requires verification of design margins for both mechanical and
electrical disciplines. Development testing of first-article units during the
design phase is necessary to uncover inherent design and manufacturing defects
before designs are committed to production. Standardized tests for
high-voltage components, subassemblies and complete power supplies are rare.
Lack of uniformity in specifying and screening high-voltage components has
contributed to significant reliability problems in many
programs.